This is page numbers 609 - 642 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was program.

Topics

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm very pleased to be able to stand in the House today and pay tribute to a young woman from Keewatin who has taken, in my opinion anyway, the country by storm. I'm, of course, referring to Susan Aglukark. The people in the Keewatin and the Northwest Territories...

---Applause

...have known for a long time how talented this young woman is. It seems that the rest of Canada is now beginning to fully realize the depth of her talent. Last night, Susan was awarded a Juno for the best solo artist award in Canada. At the same time, her album Arctic Rose took the Juno for the best music of aboriginal Canada.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, the Junos recognize the best of Canada's musical talent. As a double winner, Susan joins a select and talented group that includes artists such as Jann Arden and Celine Dion. What pleases me most, Mr. Speaker, is that aside from the fact that she is very talented, Susan has also been a great model for our youth and a tremendous ambassador for the Northwest Territories. I hope that all the Members will join me in offering congratulations to Susan on her success, and long may it continue. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

Implementation Of New Rent Scale
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 618

Kenoayoak Pudlat Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today with regard to the rental scale. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of the Housing Corporation said that they were going to delay some of the introduction of the rental scale, but I know in some of the communities they have not delayed some of the process. Some of the clerks who are responsible for the introduction of the rental scale are having a hard time in dealing with the new rental scale, especially the rental clerks. It has to be recognized that their job is very difficult. But, Mr. Speaker, some of our communities have no idea what is happening and they have a lot of concerns with regard to the

fact that they do not understand the implication of the rental scale on their livelihood. We were provided with a whole lot of

material that has to be read and I know, myself, that I receive a lot of material to read.

For that reason, Mr. Speaker, they are starting to understand the process now but will require a lot more time to understand it further. During the times we meet here in the House, I have tried to convey the information to our constituencies. I even met with the Housing Corporation official in Iqaluit. He came over to our community and realized that the translated materials were not available regarding the rental scale introduction. It is not only the territorial government that is setting up the process, but Ottawa has also given reasons to start the rental scale changes. We always inherit problems from Ottawa so I think that should be explained to the communities as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Implementation Of New Rent Scale
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Introduction Of Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The most important work that we do in this House is to really deal with legislation, that is why we're called what we're called and there can be nothing more important than developing laws for the people we represent. Mr. Speaker, during the 11th Assembly, I worked very hard on a bill to do with the environment because the economy and the environment were dominating themes. That bill was passed and has been used and has not been a terrible burden. In fact, it's useful to have such an instrument in place. Also because of our interest in the economy, import replacement and renewable resources, Members supported the idea of a bill which would in fact support some kind of attempt to brew our own product in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the price for private Members to work on such items is very, very dear because, in the first case, all the mining people were mad, all the oil and gas people were mad, all the development-oriented people were mad and that alienated a whole bunch of people because of the particular stance people took. In the case of the brewing bill, you make all the social agencies upset, the people involved with addictions got upset, family-oriented groups got upset and you end up alienating an awful lot of people because of the particular position you take.

The last group, apparently, according to my sources in the community, which I could upset would be politicians. Everybody else has been upset so, therefore, following from Mr. Kakfwi's earlier statement about the need to do things with teeth and not to just have fine words, I will be proceeding with a bill where we can begin at the top and say we are people who are accountable. "Accountability" is the key word in this 12th Assembly and I will be proceeding with a bill on recall that will, in fact, have teeth. We'll be able to do the things in exactly the way that Mr. Kakfwi suggested we do when we have serious problems to deal with. I know I'll get incredible support from all the Members of this House to do that.

Introduction Of Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

Introduction Of Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you.

---Applause

Introduction Of Recall Legislation
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Dennis Patterson Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on May 12, 1994, a report was prepared by Avery Cooper Consulting on the Arctic College environmental programs evaluation report. I believe the consultant was engaged by the Arctic College board of governors to do a formal evaluation.

Mr. Speaker, I'm mystified by some of the recommendations in this report. It was undertaken and completed when it was well-known that two colleges would be established in Nunavut and the western Arctic. Mr. Speaker, there are at present two environmental programs offered: in the Thebacha campus, the renewable resource technology program; and Nunatta campus, the environmental technology program. I believe there are plans under way to offer an environmental technology program in the Inuvik region.

Mr. Speaker, the environmental technology program in Arctic College is evolving to meet the specific needs of implementing the Nunavut land claim and managing Inuit lands and resources, which I understand is the main motive behind the proposed Inuvik program for the claims in those regions. This is, therefore, not the time to try to make the program similar. With the establishment of the new college and the implementation of the Nunavut land claim, this is the time to allow the environmental technology program in the Nunavut college to evolve and grow, not to be confined. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Congratulating 1995 Apprenticeship Class Graduates
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 26th, 1995

Page 619

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll be brief. Today I would like to rise to congratulate the 1995 graduating class of apprenticeship that received awards on the weekend here in

Yellowknife at a little get together put on by the apprenticeship board.

This is an annual event, Mr. Speaker, that recognizes the hard work that the apprentices do in their respective trades and a good number of them receive special recognition for top marks and other such things they strive for in their respective occupations. There were people from the automotive industry, both mechanics and auto body repairmen, there were flooring technicians, cooks, welders and plumbers; all people who we can't do without in our daily living. It was good to see that there were a good number of northerners who received special recognition that evening for their hard work and dedication. It's paying off.

I was particularly interested in the guest speaker, the human resource officer from BHP who was there to outline what young people should be looking at in the diamond industry if it ever gets under way here in the territories. There are going to be a good number of jobs there, some highly skilled, others in the technical and other areas that require some lead time training that we must, as a government and population where a lot of expertise comes from the south, encourage people to get involved in, should and when it comes.

It reminds me of the days when the Mackenzie Valley was being talked about and an organization called Nortran went about recruiting and training people in the territories in anticipation that there would be a number of jobs coming out of the pipeline. Although it never did come about, the skills the people learned were put to good use in later years.

So, to the apprentices and to the apprenticeship board, congratulations.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Funding For Pelly Bay School Gymnasium
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 620

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some time ago, through the Kitikmeot board of education and at a meeting with the Premier of this government, hamlet representatives and myself, we talked about the hamlet request for infrastructure money to build a gymnasium attachment to the school. I believe the Minister of Education is aware of the request. Also, some time ago, the Kitikmeot board of education requested funding to build a gymnasium attachment to the Pelly Bay School.

Mr. Speaker, for about five years we seem to have been unable to find funding for this very important project. Mr. Speaker, I'm told that infrastructure money that was given to the territories from the federal government has lapsed over the past year. I'm wondering if there is perhaps some funding left over that was to be allocated to communities but communities did not use. I wonder if money is still available and, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister. Thank you.

Funding For Pelly Bay School Gymnasium
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Rural And Remote Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, prior to breaking, I questioned the Minister of Housing about the rural and remote program. This program was 75 per cent CMHC funded and 25 per cent NWT Housing Corporation funded. The payment schedules include that 25 per cent of rental income are deemed mortgage payments.

Mr. Speaker, over the break in my constituency I did some work on the rural and remote program and found out how many of my constituents are affected. It was discovered that I have 10 constituents who have taken advantage of the rural and remote program. However, what concerns me is that one is a senior citizen and one is disabled. Many have paid a mortgage for a number of years, Mr. Speaker. For example, one constituent purchased a unit for approximately $62,000 and after 11 years still owes $54,365. Even if they paid out the mortgage, the amount would be $52,499 and that's after paying $675 a month, totalling $8,061 a year, of which $6,200 is applied to interest.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge this government to address the rural and remote program that they were once involved in. I know the Minister stated that it would cost $3 million to purchase all these rural and remote program units in the Northwest Territories and I recognize this is a lot of money in the tight fiscal environment we're in today. However, if we don't, Mr. Speaker, we are creating inequities in our system. On the one hand, the senior citizen units being used by seniors, which are considered public units, are rent free as of April 1st -- and I know some seniors welcome this while many seniors have said they feel very uncomfortable living rent free but I believe they deserve it -- but on the other hand, where seniors are clients of the rural and remote program, paying 25 per cent of their pension towards their mortgage causes great hardship.

Therefore, I would urge this government to address the rural and remote program, which was initially intended to be a good program but has since been deleted by CMHC, probably because of the hardships it does cause. Thank you.

---Applause

Rural And Remote Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements? We'll take a 15-minute break.

---SHORT RECESS

Rural And Remote Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

We're on item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 237-12(7): Information On Staking Claims
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ningark on March 3, 1994, with respect to information on staking claims.

Staking mineral claims is a straightforward process that anyone, not just mining companies, can do. The DIAND mining recorder's office has detailed instructions and information about staking claims that outlines, for example, the maximum size allowed for a single claim, or the type of information needed to be marked on claim posts.

Any person over the age of 18, with a $5 prospecting licence, can stake a mineral claim. Claiming an area for minerals is a matter of:

(1)Finding out whether the mineral rights are available for staking;

(2)Going out on the land and marking the claim or claims with stone markers or marks on trees and claim posts; and,

(3)sending in a form and a map of the claim to the DIAND mining recorder's office, so that they can record the claim.

I have instructed my staff to send a summary of the specific details to the Member's office.

The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is in the process of hiring an individual who will provide direct assistance and advice at the community level on local geology, prospecting and exploration potential in their area.

Further Return To Question 286-12(7): Lower Wcb Rates For Administrative Staff In Construction And Taxi Businesses
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 620

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on March 9th with respect to WCB rates.

This matter was referred to the board of directors for consideration at their March board meeting.

Employers are classified by the type of industry and the classification is intended to reflect the total activities and output of the particular industry.

Administrative support services form an integral segment of each industrial classification. The GNWT -- subclass 81 -- is a good example of how diverse an employer's operations can be: for example, we have clerks, heavy equipment operators, inspectors, et cetera.

The board's classification methodology conforms with all other WCB's across Canada, and there is no basis for the board to consider changing this methodology at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 303-12(7): Communities Selected For Edo Teams
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Another question asked by Mr. Koe on March 10th with respect to communities selected for EDO teams.

The regional superintendent committees in Nunavut and the west are discussing deployment options among themselves and with the deputy minister. Some of the factors that have to be considered before selecting the locations are the specific nature of work requirements in each area and potential demand for services. The needs that have to be met vary across the north and have an impact on how the resources are deployed.

The base communities for the itinerant EDOs have not yet been selected. However, it is my intention that they operate from outside the capital and from locations close to the people they serve.

The plan is to have these teams based in a location which will make it possible for them to efficiently carry out their mandate. The primary objective of the teams is to service smaller communities but they will also respond to other opportunities as they arise, Mr. Speaker.

We are working towards having the base communities for these positions selected and the positions filled by June 30, 1995.

Further Return To Question 303-12(7): Communities Selected For Edo Teams
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Further Return To Question 177-12(7): Student Achievement Rates Across Nwt
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Lewis on February 27th with regard to student achievement rates.

Last spring, NWT students participated in the reading and writing assessment conducted as part of the Canada-wide student achievement indicators program.

Over 75 per cent of 13 year olds and over 60 per cent of 16 year olds in the NWT achieved acceptable or higher levels of results in the writing assessment. Overall, these writing results were about 15 per cent below Canadian student outcomes. Half of the students who took part in the reading assessment achieved an acceptable level. However, most of the students are achieving below the national percentage of 72 per cent in reading.

A second assessment in reading and writing will take place again in about three years. This year our students will be participating in a science assessment as part of the Canada student achievement indicators program.

Further Return To Question 177-12(7): Student Achievement Rates Across Nwt
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.

Return To Question 114-12(7): Consultation Process Re Proposed Hangar Facilities In Fort Smith
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on February 20th regarding consultation process for the proposed hangar facility in Fort Smith.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the review of the forest fire management program which was carried out in 1993, there was extensive consultation with many interested parties, including community consultations, northern businesses, federal and most provincial jurisdictions, and internal departments, including Renewable Resources, Public Works and Services, Economic Development and Tourism, Financial Management Board Secretariat and Finance. This process was significant in identifying the extent of northern content in the provision of these services, and the potential for reducing the leakage to the south. A complete list of consultations will be tabled later today.

That study was followed by continued interdepartmental considerations by Renewable Resources, Public Works and Services, Economic Development and Tourism and Financial Management Board Secretariat, leading to the decision by the Financial Management Board in June of 1994 to negotiate a comprehensive contract with the Dene-Metis of Fort Smith for the provision and operation of air tanker services.

The Member made mention of two letters. The letter of April 14, 1994 from Dene-Metis Holdings to the committee of deputy ministers was replied to by the deputy minister of Renewable Resources on April 28th. Dene-Metis Holdings sent a fax to the Minister of Public Works and Services on July 11, 1994. The deputy minister of Public Works and Services replied with a letter on July 21, 1994 and the Minister replied on September 7, 1994.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories did not issue any press releases stating that the NWT Metis National Assembly would be given the project.

Beginning in November 1994, a consultant was retained to assist in consulting with Transport Canada as the owners of the CL-215s, with Canadair, manufacturer of the CL-215s, with representatives of the insurance industry and other jurisdictions having forest firefighting experience. The consulting role was to address such specialized issues as the impact on maintenance schedules, certification and insurance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 114-12(7): Consultation Process Re Proposed Hangar Facilities In Fort Smith
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions.